**Archaeologists Uncover Ancient Canaanite Cult Evidence and 5,000-Year-Old Wine Press in Northern Israel**
Archaeologists in northern Israel have made a remarkable discovery: evidence of an ancient Canaanite cult alongside a wine press dating back approximately 5,000 years—one of the oldest ever found in the country. According to the Israel Antiquities Authority, this wine press is the earliest known relic of wine production in the region.
The findings emerged during an excavation at Tel Megiddo, a prominent archaeological site, conducted ahead of planned highway construction through the area. Officials revealed that the stone-carved wine press suggests the existence of a Canaanite cult at the site thousands of years ago.
The Canaanites were ancient indigenous people who inhabited Canaan, a historic region along the eastern Mediterranean Sea, spanning from modern-day Israel to parts of Greece and western Europe. While the Canaanites consisted of mixed ethnic groups, the Hebrew Bible distinguishes them from the Israelites, teaching that the Israelites arrived later.
Dr. Amir Golani and Barak Tzin, excavation directors for the Israel Antiquities Authority, described the wine press discovery as unprecedented. “Until now, indirect evidence indicated that wine could have been produced 5,000 years ago, but we did not have conclusive proof—a ‘smoking gun’—that clearly showed this in our area,” they said in a statement. “This wine press finally provides new and clear evidence that early wine production actually took place here.”
Beyond the wine press, the team uncovered a model of a small temple and a set of ceremonial utensils dating back around 3,300 years. These artifacts are part of a broader collection found during the excavation, which spanned about three-quarters of a mile and revealed many objects from different historical periods.
The discoveries cover both the Early Bronze Age (approximately 3300–3000 B.C.E.) and the Late Bronze Age (approximately 1550–1400 B.C.E.), adding to our understanding of early Canaanite populations in the area. Additional evidence includes residential buildings unearthed around the wine press, ritual vessels, and imported Cypriot pottery. Archaeologists believe these finds shed light on the ritual ceremonies and cultural practices of ancient peoples in the region.
This excavation not only demonstrates the historical importance of Tel Megiddo but also provides new insights into the religious and daily life of the ancient Canaanites, enriching our knowledge of the civilizations that once flourished in the Levant.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ancient-winepress-evidence-of-cult-unearthed-israel/